Shazam 2 Star Zachary Levi is a Tough Nut in New Action Thriller ‘Hotel Tehran’

Zachary Levi is best known for playing the titular superhero in DC’s Shazam! films is taking on a new role in the upcoming action thriller Hotel Tehran. Levi will play Tucker, a dishonored CIA operative who leads a rogue unit back into Tehran for one final mission. This marks Levi’s first major non-superhero role since rising to stardom as Shazam and Billy Batson. The film, written and directed by Guy Moshe (“Bunraku”), is shaping up to be an intense thrill ride, though questions remain about Levi’s ability to carry the gritty spy film.

Is Zachary Levi Ready to Lead a Rogue CIA Unit?

While Zachary Levi has proven his acting chops in both comedic and family-friendly roles, taking on an R-rated action flick is new territory. Hotel Tehran follows war-torn ex-CIA agents, so it will likely require a hardened, cynical performance from Levi. Though he showed his range playing a jaded detective in the neo-noir thriller The Tax Collector, this film seems far removed from his happy-go-lucky Shazam persona.

As per Deadline, Levi reportedly portrays Tucker as tough and cunning, skilled at navigating dangerous situations. It’s a complex character that will test the actor’s versatility. After a string of light-hearted films, can Levi convincingly lead a rogue CIA unit into volatile territory? His ability to disappear into this grim role may make or break the film.

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What Kind of Action Can Fans Expect from Hotel Tehran?

If Levi pulls off the lead role, audiences could be treated to intense fight sequences and death-defying stunts in exotic locations. The film title suggests the action will center around a hotel in Iran’s capital city.

With Moshe at the helm, known for orchestrating slick, frenetic fight scenes, Levi will likely have opportunities to show off impressive combat skills. Training to play an ex-CIA operative convincingly will require the actor to bulk up and learn hand-to-hand combat. This suggests the action could have a more rugged, brute-force feel compared to Levi’s CGI-heavy superhero stunts.

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Will Hotel Tehran Launch a New Phase in Zachary Levi’s Career?

Taking on this film is a major pivot from Levi’s family-friendly roles of late. If Hotel Tehran succeeds, it could redefine Levi as a versatile leading man. Strong reviews and box office returns may open the door to more mature, high-octane projects for Levi post-Shazam.

However, if the ruthless operative role falls flat, it could stifle Levi’s momentum after Shazam 2. Still riding high off DC blockbuster success, this film represents a crucial next step in Levi’s career. It’s a bold choice that certainly carries risk, but the potential rewards could be great.

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Hotel Tehran began its production in May 2024. While plot details remain under wraps, expectations are high for Levi in this gritty spy thriller. If he can convincingly shed his good-guy image, Levi may punch his ticket to leading man status beyond the superhero genre. But inhabited by a miscast lead, the tense Tehran setting could make Hotel Tehran more of a letdown than a thrill ride.